Viva Las Vegas - The World's Largest Rockabilly Festival 2013
It's no secret that the Fabulous Times ladies spent the Easter weekend at the world's largest rockabilly festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our weekend was action packed listening to some of the greatest living doo wop, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly musicians rock around the clock. I wanted to share a special post featuring our favourite bands from the weekend. In no particular order here are our official 5 fabulous favourites (in no particular order):1. Ray Collins Hot Club: Playing a mixture of 40 and 50' s Jump-blues, swing, jive and of rock' roll with authenticity and an overflowing energy Ray Collins Hot Club took to the main stage on the closing night of Viva Las Vegas 2013. Germany's greatest swing band Ray Collins Hot Club is made up of nine undeniably slick musicians from the mind blowing brass section to lead singer Ray Collins who knows how to wail and tickle the ivories, never before have I seen a sax player dance and play with so much energy. Ray Collins Hot Club will also be playing this years Rhythm Riot in the UK, not to be missed!
2. Lil' Mo & The Dynaflo's: Our favourites Lil' Mo & The Dynflo's packed out Brendan's bar at The Orleans Hotel, with a line outside the bar of eager fans dying to get in to catch a glimpse of the band I still can't understand why they weren't on one of the larger stages? Playing a mix of classic doo wop numbers and original tracks covering all bases from upbeat to slow smoochers there was a track to suit every mood. Sporting brand new turquoise jackets by sponsor mybabyjo these finger clickin' cool Californians really gave Viva Las Vegas 2013 a show to remember!
3. Switchblade3: A big band trio who know how to get the party kickin' never before have I seen a guitarist and double bass player pick up their instruments and play them perfectly behind their heads! playing a few original tracks and classic covers like 'Bird is the word' in full on upbeat rockabilly style Switchblade3 are a force to be reckoned with.
4. The Cleftones: If you're unfamiliar The Clefones are an original California doo wop band who formed back in 1955 and have been going strong ever since. If melted chocolate was a sound this would be it, as cool as the ocean breeze, as heartwarming as a cuddle from your best friend and even more pleasing to watch as a glorious summer sunset, The Cleftones delivered the perfect performance. Taking the Saturday night slot following on from Little Richard The Cleftones stole the weekend with a tear jerking, breathtaking, seemingly effortless performance. The vocal talent is truly incomparable when they broke out with their hit single 'Heart & Soul' i'm fairly certain every girl in the room wept a little bit. It's such a joy to hear romantic numbers sang so beautifully, oh boy pass me the tissue!
5. Little Richard: After an hour waiting for the legendary Little Richard to take to the stage the crowd were (complete with thirst & sore feet) more than ready to see the rock 'n' roll icon. It was a privilege and real treat to see such a bastion of rock 'n' roll perform live. Little Richard was wheeled onto the stage in his pimped out guilt gold throne like wheelchair. Even at age 80 Little Richard can still get the crowd laughing, belt out his award winning tunes like 'tutti frutti' and 'the girl cant help it' and rip up the piano like no other. He joked with the crowd and told us all about his broken hip and not being able to walk for three years, his hip couldn't be fixed as his heart was too weak. It was so moving and completely inspiring to see somebody so passionate doing what they love and sharing so much joy despite life's obstacles. we can all learn a thing or two from Little Richard, what a legend. Once the set got underway the whole place was jumpin' with impromptu dance floors breaking out all over The Orleans car park, it was well worth the wait! what a blast.
'I try to be a guide for people, to make their darkness bright and to make the pathway light, and never to condemn or control or criticize' -Little Richard
Christine